Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, begins in the cells lining the stomach and can spread to other organs if untreated. Common symptoms include persistent stomach pain, bloating, nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite, weight loss, and, in advanced stages, blood in stool or vomiting blood. Early symptoms are often mild, leading to delayed diagnosis.

The exact cause of stomach cancer isn’t always known, but risk factors include H. pylori infection, smoking, a diet high in smoked or salty foods, chronic gastritis, and a family history of gastric cancer. Genetic predispositions like Lynch syndrome and blood type A are also linked to higher risk.

Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage and may involve surgery (to remove part or all of the stomach), chemotherapy (to shrink or kill cancer cells), and radiation therapy (to target cancer cells in specific areas). Targeted therapy and immunotherapy may be used in advanced cases to improve response, especially if specific gene mutations are present.

Some treatment options include: 

• Surgery: Removes part (subtotal gastrectomy) or all (total gastrectomy) of the stomach, often with nearby lymph nodes, to eliminate localised cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill or shrink cancer cells, commonly given before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery to reduce recurrence.
• Radiation Therapy: Targets cancer cells with high-energy rays, often used alongside chemotherapy to improve effectiveness or relieve symptoms in advanced cases.
• Targeted Therapy: Involves drugs that focus on specific molecules, like HER2, to block cancer growth, typically for advanced or metastatic stomach cancer.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, often used for advanced cases with specific genetic markers.

Palliative Care: Manages symptoms and enhances quality of life for advanced-stage stomach cancer patients, addressing pain, digestion issues, and nutritional support.